These blueberry cake donuts are light, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Making these is super fun, especially when the kitchen fills with that lovely blueberry smell. I love to enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee. Trust me, they’re a treat you’ll want to share—if you can!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re gluten-sensitive, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this, and it works well!
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1/2 cup, let it sit for 5 minutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but frozen ones can work too. Just be careful not to overmix them to avoid a blue batter. I personally love using fresh ones when they’re in season.
Sugar for Glaze: Use powdered sugar for a smooth glaze. If you want a healthier option, try maple syrup mixed with a bit of cornstarch. It won’t have the same texture, but it can be tasty!
How Do I Properly Fry Donuts for a Perfect Texture?
Frying is where donuts get their delicious texture! To help with this, make sure your oil is at the right temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil!
- Heat your oil slowly to avoid hot spots, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
- Fry just a few donuts at a time to avoid crowding the pot. This keeps the temperature steady for a nice golden color.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully lower the donuts in and to flip them halfway through cooking.
- Don’t forget to drain them on paper towels! This removes excess oil, helping them stay light and airy.
How to Make Blueberry Cake Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for frying and glazing, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling the batter. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious blueberry cake donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). This helps ensure all those dry ingredients blend well together.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Mixing these well will give your donuts a lovely taste!
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
4. Fold in Blueberries:
Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula, being careful not to smash them. This will keep those lovely bursts of blueberry intact in your donuts!
5. Chill the Batter:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the batter for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
6. Prepare for Frying:
While the batter chills, heat enough vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to reach 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check this, as the right temperature is key to perfect frying!
7. Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour a work surface, and roll out the chilled batter to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters, cut out the donut shapes and place them on a floured surface.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop a few donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Don’t overcrowd your pot; this helps keep the oil temperature steady!
9. Drain and Prepare for Glazing:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil. This helps keep your donuts light and not greasy.
10. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth! Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or liquid if needed—it should be pourable but not too runny.
11. Glaze the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, dip the tops in the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set. This step adds an irresistible sweet finish to your treats!
12. Enjoy Your Donuts!
Let the glaze harden slightly before serving, and then enjoy your freshly made blueberry cake donuts with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re best enjoyed warm!
These donuts are soft, cakey, full of blueberry goodness, and topped with a delightful glaze. Happy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them too much and turning the batter blue. There’s no need to thaw them first—simply add them straight from the freezer!
Can I Prepare the Batter in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out, as it may thicken when chilled.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, but they may lose some of their soft texture.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the batter in a greased donut pan. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just be aware they will have a different texture than fried donuts!